Budget 2027 must focus on climate adaptation, reforestation, and drainage maintenance to tackle growing environmental risks, says Dr Serina Rahman.
PETALING JAYA: Budget 2027 should prioritise climate adaptation and prevention measures rather than focusing solely on responding to climate-related disasters, said National University of Singapore Southeast Asian Studies Department lecturer Dr Serina Rahman.
She said this includes reforestation, protecting water retention areas and strengthening drainage systems.
“Government policies and funding must address the root causes and growing risks associated with climate change, particularly as Malaysia faces increasingly unpredictable rainfall as well as more extreme droughts.
“Reforesting spaces could help prevent landslides and debris flows during heavy rain, while stronger policies are needed to ensure sustainable and optimal use of water during increasingly severe drought seasons.”
She added that planning was needed to manage rising water demand from industries such as data centres, including through higher charges or requiring industries to source alternative water supplies.
She also called for stricter enforcement against development in water retention areas, saying such spaces are crucial in preventing floodwaters from reaching urban communities.
Serina said more funding should also be channelled towards the regular monitoring and maintenance of drainage systems, alongside better rubbish collection to prevent waste from blocking drains and worsening floods.
“Awareness programmes alone do not work,” she said, suggesting stronger penalties for indiscriminate dumping and measures such as nets or grilles to prevent rubbish from entering drainage systems, provided these are regularly cleared and maintained.
She added that climate funding should also support a shift towards more sustainable systems of commerce, production and industry, including developing circular economies in which waste from one sector could be reused as resources by another.
However, she emphasised that such policies must translate into practical measures at the ground level, including reliable waste collection to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rubbish burning while also preventing uncontrolled fires and haze.
“Sometimes, we need to think at ground level more than just administrative or national planning.
“The question is how the Budget decisions trickle down to the public and create real impact for those on the frontlines of climate change.”
Serina said farmers and fishermen were among those most vulnerable to climate change as their livelihoods depend on natural resources and stable weather conditions.
She added that farmers face crop losses and irregular production due to floods and droughts, while fishermen are affected by extreme weather and changes in fish availability patterns.
She said the disruptions could contribute to wider food insecurity, affecting the broader population.
She also said the urban poor were particularly vulnerable, as many lived in poorly ventilated conditions and faced water shortages and difficulties absorbing higher electricity costs during periods of extreme heat.
